Dishwasher rinse aid guide: What it is and how to use it

Rinse aid helps dishes dry more effectively by helping reduce water spots and streaks when drying. This guide covers what rinse aid is, how to use rinse aid in a dishwasher and answers to common questions to help achieve sparkling results, load after load.

What does dishwasher rinse aid do?

Rinse aid helps water sheet off dishes—meaning it glides away in a thin layer rather than beading up—to promote more effective drying. By reducing the droplets that linger and dry on surfaces, rinse aid helps minimize streaks and residue so dishes can come out clearer and cleaner.

Using rinse aid in the dishwasher: Step-by-step instructions

Depending on your dishwasher model, the rinse aid compartment is typically located beside the detergent dispenser and may feature either a turn-and-release cap or a flip-open panel.  

Some dishwashers may let you adjust the release level to control how much rinse aid is dispensed. Follow the steps below to use rinse aid in a KitchenAid^® dishwasher. For information about your specific model, reference your owner’s manual.

1. Open the door: Make sure the dishwasher door is fully open to help prevent leaking or spills.
2. Open rinse aid dispenser: Gently push in the center of the lid with your thumb and pull up on the edge to release the lid.
3. Adjust settings (optional): On select KitchenAid^® dishwashers, you may be able to adjust the amount of rinse aid released in each load by turning the arrow adjuster under the lid, up or down, to your desired level.
4. Pour rinse aid: Fill the rinse aid dispenser until the indicator points to “Full.” Be careful not to overfill.
5. Clean any spills: Wipe away any spilled rinse aid with a damp cloth.
6. Close the dispenser: Close the dispenser by gently pressing down on the lid until it clicks into place. When the rinse aid indicator drops to “Add,” it’s time to refill.

Explore KitchenAid^® third rack dishwashers

Third rack dishwashers from KitchenAid brand take cleaning to the next level. The 360° Max Jets™ Third Rack on select KitchenAid^® models is the only third rack with 360° wash jets to clean pint glasses, coffee mugs and cereal bowls inside and out. Select KitchenAid^® dishwashers also feature the Advanced ProDry™ System that gets dishes table-ready by combining heating elements, fans and natural ventilation at the end of the cycle for KitchenAid brand’s driest dry.¹ Plus, Water Repellent Tech on select models from KitchenAid brand repels leftover water droplets on silverware baskets for dryer utensils.

1. Compared to KDTE804KPS Normal cycle with ProDry

Tips to maximize rinse aid performance

Rinse aid helps dishes dry with fewer spots, streaks and cloudiness. Explore the tips below to get the most out of using rinse aid in your dishwasher.

• Keep an eye on your rinse aid dispenser. It typically holds around 5 ounces, which should last about a month before needing a refill.

• Some dishwasher packets may contain rinse aid, but for optimal cleaning and drying results, it’s best to use a dedicated rinse aid along with high-quality detergent tablets.

• Look for a rinse aid that’s colored so you can more easily see how much is left in your dispenser.

• If you have hard water, or notice rings or calcium spots on your dishes, adjust rinse aid settings to dispense more in each load.

Common rinse aid questions

Gaining confidence in maintaining and optimizing rinse aid can help you achieve cleaner, drier dishes. Learn how rinse aid helps enhance dishwasher performance and get answers to frequently asked questions below.

Is rinse aid necessary?

Rinse aid is highly recommended if you want to help your dishes come out clear and clean. It can help offset factors like soft water, specific detergents or even pre-rinsing that may increase the chances of glass etching.

Plus, rinse aid can possibly enhance the performance of certain cycles, like the heat-dry option on select dishwashers.

Can rinse aid help improve cloudy or etched glassware?

Rinse aid can help prevent a filmy or cloudy appearance on glassware. Once etching occurs, the damage is typically permanent, but using rinse aid regularly—along with proper cleaning methods—may help clear some cloudiness or residue.

Why do I still have water spots after using rinse aid?

A few factors can contribute to residual spotting on dishes, even when using rinse aid. For example, your dispenser may be releasing too little rinse aid during the wash cycle and may need to be adjusted to dispense more.

Using high-quality dishwashing tablets instead of powder, liquid or gel detergents can also help minimize spotting or filming. And be sure to select a heated dry option—when paired with rinse aid, it can deliver optimal drying performance and help reduce water spots on dishes.

Are there substitutes for rinse aid?

Rinse aid substitutes can potentially harm your dishwasher’s interior, so it’s best to stick with a trusted rinse aid formula designed for the job. Common alternatives like vinegar may seem harmless but can actually degrade rubber components such as hoses and gaskets over time.

Explore KitchenAid^® dishwashers

Whether you’re looking for a top or front control model, KitchenAid® dishwashers can complement your kitchen’s style while delivering the features you need to handle any mess. The ProWash™ Cycle on select KitchenAid^® models uses a sensor to measure soil levels and adapts wash time and water temperature as needed for tough messes or lighter loads, because no two meals are exactly the same. The Triple Filtration System on select KitchenAid^® dishwashers uses three levels of filtration to remove food particles during the wash and rinse cycles.